We'd never known a cat so independent and yet so social.  As close to a person as a pet can become.  He could love us and lead his own life.  No matter how many people are in our house, it still feels larger and empty without him.  He filled every room.  He was always family.  In some ways he was the family.  We will always miss him.  And even when the pain ebbs over the years, we will still want him back.